OCALA’S GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT, NIGHTLIFE & FAMILY FUN
LOCAL TRAIL ADVENTURE THAT DELIGHTS ALL THE SENSES
Property boasts a serene country setting, providing space for you to build the farm of your dreams. Situated amidst some of the most exquisite farms in the area, providing a picturesque view. Located just 15 minutes from WEC and 10 minutes from HITS.
$1,250,000
Situated on a paved dead-end road in a wonderful neighborhood, it’s the perfect location for your dream home. Property features its own private lake and a duck pond, making it an excellent bird-watching spot. Driveway is in place, property has been cleared.
Picturesque 1-acre lot. Open oor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, and o ce. Spacious owner suite. Detached garage provides over 1,100 SF of versatile space. Close to Santos Trailhead for biking, hiking, or horseback riding.
$549,000
3BR, 3BA split bedroom oor plan with a large living area, spacious kitchen, dining room, and sitting room. Center-aisle CB barn with 8 stalls, separate workshop/storage area. Easy access to WEC, the Florida Horse Park, and Greenways & Trails.
$280,000 $850,000
Real country, city close, if you’re a classic car enthusiast, a second homebuyer, or seeking a stunning waterfront building site to realize your dream home, this property is perfect for you. Situated just outside e Villages, this site o ers 19+ acres of private family retreat with access to two crystal clear lakes. is extraordinary 2020-built, barn-style home o ers 3,500 SF. Large metal building (26’X50’) for storing larger equipment. Water frontage on dual Saddlebag Lakes. Peace and serenity abound at this incredible setting. $1,495,000
10 +/- Acres in NW Marion County
Custom SE Ocala Home
19 +/- Acres Near The Villages
11 +/- Acres on HWY 42
5.79 +/- Acre Gentleman’s Farm
Surrounded by mature trees and lovely landscaping, this custom home boasts a private setting and appealing aesthetics. is ve-bedroom, three-bathroom, triple-split home has abundant natural light and breathtaking views. Interior is lled with upgrades, including tall ceilings, polished concrete oors, and hand-applied skip trowel nishes on walls. e spacious kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, custom hickory cabinets, a large pantry, and eat-in nook. Outdoor living area impresses with a covered lanai, beautiful pool, pergola, and a generously sized custom re pit. Includes paddock with power and water, along with three well-maintained sheds. Property is just minutes away from major stores, restaurants, medical facilities, and downtown Ocala. 15 miles from World Equestrian Center. $1,222,865
*FAUNA & FOOD FLORA,
AN OUTDOOR RECREATION AND EDUCATIONAL ECO-TOUR BUSINESS, THE FLORIDA NATURALIST EXPERIENCE SPECIALIZES IN CREATING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES FOR ANYONE PASSIONATE ABOUT NATURE AND FOOD.
08 | TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN THE 352 & MORE
A handy guide to get you going and keep you busy this month.
WATCH
14 | CONCERT SPOTLIGHT
Last-minute tickets and local shows you won’t want to miss.
16 | DATE NIGHT AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER
Couples looking for a unique date night headed to the Discovery Center where they met some of the resident critters.
18 DOWN-HOME DIFFERENCE MAKER
Cli Dorsey is making it big locally and on the road.
EXPLORE
20 | ON STAGE
For performing arts lovers, the changing of the season signals a whole new o ering of theatrical performances, live music and more.
24 | HOW ART HEALS
Arts in Health Ocala Metro o ers workshops to connect individuals with the healing power of art.
BE MESMERIZED BY THE COSTUMES, DANCING AND MUSIC AS THE EVIL SORCERER VON ROTHBART TRANSFORMS THE PRINCE’S FIANCÉE INTO A SWAN. CAN SHE BE TURNED BACK?
CRAVE
34 | BRATS, BEERS & BUDS
If you can’t travel to Germany this Oktoberfest, a trip to the World Equestrian Center’s Oktoberfest may just be the next best thing.
36 | BITE-SIZED BITS
Restaurant news and foodie fun to keep your palate up to date.
ONE
PARKS FOR POLLINATORS
BIOBLITZ KICK-OFF EVENT
SEPTEMBER 7
Join us at the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at Jervey Gantt Park from 4-6pm to kick o the BioBlitz that will happen throughout the entire month across all city parks. At the kicko event, information and assistance to download the app, plant your own pollinators and more will be provided. The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is an event where community members work with park sta to create a snapshot of the variety of wildlife that can be found in local parks. Participants will use an app, iNaturalist, to take pictures of plants, insects and animals to see what wildlife is present in our parks. The information collected through the app will help the park system with more information about local pollinators which are essential to our ecosystem. Learn more about the event at ocala .gov/recpark.
2 FIRST FREE SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER 7
Visit the Appleton Museum of Art for Free First Saturday! Enjoy free admission all day to see the permanent collection, special exhibitions and to make art in the Artspace. At 11am and 2pm, join photographer Theresa Segal for a free tour of her solo exhibition, Common Thread. Tours will meet in the second- oor Balcony Gallery for Florida Artists; no reservations needed to attend. The Donut Express and Little Red’s Chicken & BBQ food trucks will be on-site throughout the day. Saturday hours are 10am-5pm. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org
FESTIVALS OF SPEED
SEPTEMBER 14
Join Festivals of Speed for the ultimate celebration of speed and luxury, featuring more than 175 high-end cars, military vehicles and more! The theme for this month’s show is Salute to Veterans. Meet the owners and enthusiasts, and enjoy the nest food and drinks. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your vehicle. The event takes place at the World Equestrian Center in expo center 2. General admission is $30, and all service branches both active and retired and veteran military personnel and their immediate family members receive discounted tickets from the website prior to the event. Children 12 and under are free. Learn more at festivalsofspeed.com
A HANDY GUIDE TO GET YOU GOING AND KEEP YOU BUSY THIS MONTH
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OCALA BABY & FAMILY EXPO
SEPTEMBER 14
4
MOLLY OF DENALI
OPENING DAY
SEPTEMBER 14
Explore Alaska by way of the Discovery Center’s newest cultural exhibit: Molly of Denali: An Alaskan Adventure, which opens to the public on September 14. In this new exhibit based on the PBS KIDS TV series Molly of Denali, join Molly and her family and friends as you explore the great outdoors of Alaska and learn about Alaska native life. Fly a bush plane, drive a snowmobile, navigate a snow maze in snowshoes, care for sled dogs and go ice shing as you discover the all-season beauty of Alaska while exploring Alaska Native traditions, language and values. General admission to the Discovery Center is $8 per person or $28 for a family of four. Annual memberships are also available for individuals and families. The exhibit will be open to the public through January 4. Learn more at mydiscoverycenter.org
Head to the Paddock Mall from 10am2pm to learn, shop and play! The expo features family-friendly products, services and resources along with fun afterschool programs and important information for expectant parents, families and caregivers. Plus, there will be informative workshops, fun classes and demos. All activities are free. Learn more at touchofmagicevents.com.
DATE NIGHT AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER
SEPTEMBER 20
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Looking for a date night that’s out of this world? Experience the StarLab dome at Date Night at the Discovery Center: Autumn Astronomy. Enjoy light refreshments and activities to kick o the start of fall. The event takes place from 6-8:30pm and is only for adults 18 and over. This is a pre-sale ticket event, and tickets are $30 per couple. Find out more and purchase your ticket at mydiscoverycenter.org.
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CF IRA HOLMES INTERNATIONAL FILM SERIES
SEPTEMBER 20
The Ira Holmes International Film Series at the College of Central Florida returns in September with a full season of 12 lms from across the globe, plus special events. The season begins with the Belle anime preseason event at 8pm at the Marion Theatre—cosplay welcome! For more details, visit cf.edu/ lmseries.
INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP
SEPTEMBER 21
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Join Silver Springs State Park, the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department and the Marion County Parks and Recreation Department to pick up items around our city and collect data on which items are most common. Groups should register in advance. Find the event on Facebook for registration details.
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MARION COUNTY HEART WALK
SEPTEMBER 21
Join the American Heart Association for the 2024 Marion County Heart Walk. This event raises funds to save lives from No. 1 and No. 5 killers: heart disease and stroke. The event takes place from 8-11am at Citizens’ Circle in downtown Ocala. Check-in begins at 8am, and the walk begins at 9am. Sign up today and start fundraising at marionheartwalk.org.
The event takes place in WEC’s expo center 1 and features 135,000 square feet of comic books, video games, cosplay, vendors and more. Weekend, individual day and VIP ticket packages available, and kids 10 and under get in free with a paid adult. Visit the website to view and purchase your guest photo op packages in advance. The convention takes place from 10am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-6pm on Sunday. Learn more at ocalacomiccon.com. 3
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OCALA COMIC CON
SEPTEMBER 21-22
& MORE 09.24
LABOR DAY CELEBRATION
SEPTEMBER 2
Celebrate Labor Day at Florida FAST! Dive into the refreshing outdoor pool, frolic in the outdoor spray ground and immerse yourself in themed entertainment. Indulge in delicious fare from FAST Fuel Cafe available for purchase. This celebration is open to the public and free for FAST members. For non-members, it’s just $5 for kids and $10 for adults. Event takes place from 12-3pm. oridafast.com
CHOIR AUDITIONS
BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 3
The Central Florida Master Choir welcomes new choristers to join its ranks. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings beginning at 7pm on September 3 at Countryside Presbyterian Church in Ocala in preparation for the December 1 and 15 concerts. This season’s major works are Poulenc’s Four Christmas Motets and Durante’s Magni cat, accompanied by GayLyn Capitano and the New Moon String Ensemble. Call Conductor Dr. Harold McSwain at (352) 615-7677 to schedule an audition.
*DOGGIE & ME ICE CREAM SOCIAL
SEPTEMBER 6
Grab your furry friend and head to the Marion Oaks Community Dog Park for an ice cream social. This is a free event to the community and takes place at 11am. For more information, call (352) 438-2830.
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP
SEPTEMBER 6
One Health Center, located at 1714 SW 17th Street in Ocala, will host this free workshop from 11am-1pm. Community leaders will provide pertinent information on what to do before, during and after a hurricane, how to make plans to stay safe, emergency skills and gathering emergency supplies, making a plan to stay connected, how to protect your home and how to determine your best protection for high winds and ooding. For more information about the workshop, contact Brenda Williams at (352) 812-2059.
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
SEPTEMBER 6
First Friday Art Walk takes place the rst Friday of each month, September through May, from 6-9pm. First Friday Art Walk is a free event located within Ocala’s historic downtown. Event festivities include over 30 artist displays, monthly live entertainment, free family art activities provided by local arts organizations and extended shopping hours. Participating visual artists are located along the downtown sidewalks next to participating businesses. There are a variety of art mediums on display and for sale. The main entertainment is located in the downtown gazebo. September’s main entertainment performer is Je Jarrett with an intermission by Sheila Ruotolo Dance Company. ocala .gov/artwalk
11TH ANNUAL HOOKED UP FOR TATA’S FISHING TOURNAMENT
SEPTEMBER 6-7
Register your team for this tournament that has helped raise over $90,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer over the past 10 years. Event takes place at the Plantation
at Crystal River, and more than $25,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs. The captain’s party, meeting and auction will take place at 6:30pm on Friday, and Saturday is tournament day. Team registration after August 1 is $150. Find the event on eventbrite.com to register or email info@ReelActionPromotions.com.
COLOR POP! MCA EXHIBIT
SEPTEMBER 6-28
The Color Pop! art exhibition is a vibrant celebration of contemporary art, bursting with bold hues and dynamic expressions. Held at the Brick City Center for the Arts, this exhibition features a captivating collection of works from both established and emerging MCA artists. Each piece showcases the power of color to evoke emotions, tell stories and transform spaces. mcaocala.org
FURRY FRIENDS EXHIBITION
SEPTEMBER 7
Join the Appleton Museum of Art for a special event, in partnership with the Humane Society of Marion County, from 10am2pm. The Appleton is hosting an Adoptable Animal event where you can meet adorable pets looking for loving homes. As a bonus, enjoy free entry to the museum during the event. appletonmuseum.org
2ND ANNUAL FIRST RESPONDERS CAR & TRUCK SHOW
SEPTEMBER 7
Head to the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing from 10am2pm for the 2nd Annual First Responders Car, Truck and Bike Show. All proceeds benefit Deputy Andy Lahera. All makes and models are welcome. The Taco Trailer will be on-site selling food. Find the event on Facebook for details.
PORTALS OF PERCEPTION
EXHIBIT OPENING
SEPTEMBER 7
8th Ave. Gallery is excited to announce Heather Dawn Batchelor’s solo exhibition entitled Portals of Perception. The exhibit unveiling will take place from 6-9pm. Portals of Perception transcends the physical to o er a glimpse of the spiritual within Heather’s colorful and dynamic abstract expressionism. 8thavegallery.com
WORKOUT WITH THE MAYOR
SEPTEMBER 7
Join City of Ocala Recreation and Parks sta along with City Mayor Ben Marciano for a family-friendly workout designed for all ages and abilities. The event takes place from 9-10am at the Fort King National Historic Landmark. ocala .gov
GIRLS NIGHT OUT
SEPTEMBER 7
Get ready to celebrate yourself and your girls during a Girls Night Out event hosted by The Imprint Duo at the Ocala Downtown Market from 6-9pm. This event is all about celebrating yourself, your besties and female-owned businesses, while embracing products and services that are tailored just for you. Discover a large variety of nearly 100 local Central Florida femaleowned vendors o ering everything from boutique shopping to sweets to art and fantastic services. The event is free and includes a talented female DJ, multiple photo book opportunities and food trucks. Find the event on Facebook for details.
DOGGONE GOOD READING SEPTEMBER 7
Children grades rst through fth are invited to come read to a Humane Society of Marion County dog at 11am and 1pm. Class is for one hour and starts promptly. A parent/ guardian must accompany the child and stay at the shelter (in a separate
area) while the child reads. thehsmc. org/doggone-good-reading-program
MEETING NEW FURR-ENDS WITH HSMC
SEPTEMBER 7
Join the Humane Society of Marion County at their new cat event for children ages 10-15. Children ages 10, 11, and 12 are invited to attend from 2:30-3pm, and children ages 13, 14 and 15 will be from 3-3:30pm. HSMC will provide treats, toys, cat-nip and more for your friend, and drinks and comfy blankets will be provided for the kids. Find the event on Facebook for registration details.
BELLEVIEW FREEDOM WALK
SEPTEMBER 11
The City of Belleview invites the community to join together at 6pm at the Belleview Community Center for an event dedicated to remembering those lost in the attacks of September 11, 2001 and honoring the first responders who continue to serve our community today. The evening will feature remarks by several community leaders, after which participants will take a brief walk around the park and Lake Lillian, a reflective moment to conclude the evening in solidarity. belleviewfl.org
11TH ANNUAL BUNCO TOURNAMENT
SEPTEMBER 14
The Bunco Babes Ocala presents its 11th Annual Bunco Tournament, Unmask A Cure, bene ting the breast cancer organization MichelleO-Gram. The event features prizes, auction items, a cash bar, costume contest and 50/50 chance drawing. The event takes place at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Conference Building. Doors open at 5pm, and the dice roll at 6:30pm. Purchase tickets for $30 at eventcreate.com/e/ buncobabesocala11.
OCALA VINTAGE THRIFT MARKET
SEPTEMBER 15
This Vintage Thrift Market will take place at the Ocala Downtown Market from 11am-4pm. This will be the rst of a quarterly event series and will feature everything from clothing, belts, handbags, shoes and accessories, to antiques, records, collectibles, furniture, vintage retro items and more. Changing rooms will be on-site as well as live music, food trucks and more. Parking and admission are free. Find the event on Facebook for details.
SUNSHINE STATE MAFIA: A HISTORY OF FLORIDA’S MOBSTERS, HITMEN, & WISE GUYS
SEPTEMBER 19
Master the Possibilities will host Doug Kelly, who presents information from his book, which is a vivid, wild ride through a century of Ma a lore. His book tells stories of organized crime rings that settled in Florida and made the state their base of operations for bootlegging, gambling, extortion, money laundering and drug running. The presentation will take place from 10-11:30am, and the cost is $11 for members and $16 for the general public. masterthepossibilities.org
FRIDAY FOODIE FEST
SEPTEMBER 20
Join the City of Belleview at Lake Lillian from 5-9pm for an evening of delicious food and fun. Indulge in tasty treats from your favorite food trucks, enjoy free family-friendly activities, including face painting, train rides and crafts, plus explore booths from local businesses, while enjoying great music. belleview .org
FLORIDA ART SPEAKER
SEPTEMBER 21
Friends of the Ocala Library, in conjunction with Florida Humanities, will present Dr. Keri
Watson, professor of art history at the University of Central Florida, at 11am on September 21, at the main branch of the Ocala library. The topic is “Picturing Paradise: From John James Audubon to the Florida Highwaymen,” discussing the history of Florida art. Free to the public. Find the event on the Friends of the Ocala Library Facebook page.
GIRLS IN AVIATION DAY
SEPTEMBER 21
Head to the main terminal of the Ocala International Airport for a free, aviation-themed event full of activities and surprises. This celebration is dedicated to honoring and inspiring women in the eld of aviation. Enjoy meet and greets with women pilots, aviation professionals and special guests, plus interactive aviation exhibits, ight simulators, giveaways and more. The event takes place from 10am-2pm. Find the event on Facebook for details.
MCBIA CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
SEPTEMBER 21
The Marion County Builders Industry Association is hosting a cornhole tournament starting at 10am at the Elks Lodge in Ocala. Proceeds will bene t the Elks Lodge Scholarships Charity and Ocala’s construction industry. Both amateur and professional divisions are available for single players or a team. Email o ce@mcbia.org to sign up for the tournament.
EXHIBIT OPENING
SEPTEMBER 22
The public is invited to the opening reception for the Fall All-Media Exhibit at Chelsea Art Center, from 1-3pm. This exhibition will showcase a diverse range of art by exceptional local artists who work in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, encaustic, mixed media and more. This is a free event. Meet the artists, and enjoy demonstrations and light refreshments. chelseaartcenter.com
BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING SLOW ABOUT OCALA & MARION COUNTY
NIGHT OF HOPE
SEPTEMBER 26
Join the Marion County Sheri ’s O ce and Marion County Children’s Alliance in honoring the victims and survivors of domestic violence. Tickets are $40 per person, and free childcare is available for children ages 2 and up. The event features dinner, music, giveaways, survivor stories, vendors and a special keynote speaker. The event takes place from 5:30-8pm at the College of Central Florida. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/NOH2024
FALLTOBERFEST
SEPTEMBER 28
The Town Square at Circle Square Commons will host Falltoberfest from 5-9pm. This event is free and open to the public and features live entertainment, dancing, food trucks, family-friendly games and more. circlesquarecommons.com
6TH ANNUAL FALL ARTS & CRAFT SHOW
SEPTEMBER 28
Countryside Presbyterian Church is hosting its Fall Arts & Crafts Show from 9am-1pm at 7768 SW Hwy 200 in Ocala. The show features a variety of talented local craftsmen and artisans, as well as the popular basket ra e and bake sale. Also, don’t forget to stop by The Country Café for a yummy treat. Contact Deanna Smith at smithdeanna@mac.com for additional information.
SOLE SEARCHERS SNEAKER CON
SEPTEMBER 29
This event is the ultimate gathering for sneakerheads to buy, sell and trade the hottest kicks in town. Attendees can also enjoy a DJ, food trucks, drinks, ra es and vendors. The event takes place from 12-6pm at the Ocala Downtown Market. For more information, email mr_ lace5242@yahoo.com or nd the event on Facebook.
Reddy 4 Relief!
Menopause, a natural biological transition, o en brings a range of symptoms that can a ect a woman’s quality of life. Understanding the roles of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands can provide insight into why these symptoms occur and how they might be managed more e ectively.
The hypothalamus, a small but crucial brain region, acts as the body’s command center for many functions, including the regulation of the endocrine system. During perimenopause and menopause, the hypothalamus is essential for regulating hormones, especially those related to reproductive functions. When the hypothalamus is not functioning optimally, it can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats due to its role in managing body temperature.
The pituitary gland, known as the “master gland,” is a pea-sized structure at the brain’s base that controls other endocrine glands. It releases hormones in response to signals from the hypothalamus. As ovarian function declines, these hormones increase, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and other symptoms. The pituitary also produces growth hormone and
prolactin, and imbalances in these hormones can contribute to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and mood swings.
The adrenal glands, located atop the kidneys, produce hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and small amounts of sex hormones. During perimenopause, the body increasingly relies on the adrenal glands for estrogen production as ovarian function declines. Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels, impairing adrenal function and exacerbating symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and weight gain. The adrenal glands also produce androgens, and if adrenal function is compromised, estrogen levels drop, and the body may increase androgen production, leading to symptoms such as hair loss, acne, and changes in libido.
Addressing and supporting the health of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands can help manage perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms without resorting to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While HRT can alleviate symptoms and prevent bone loss, it carries risks such as increased chances of heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, blood clots, and other health issues. Therefore, a personalized approach involving lifestyle changes, stress management, and comprehensive
support can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life without the potential risks. Consulting with an experienced healthcare provider is crucial to determine the best approach, whether opting for conventional HRT or a natural, holistic strategy.
With nearly 20 years of experience guiding women through this life transition, I’ve benefited from my individualized, comprehensive program personally as I turn 50 this month. Now, with firsthand experience, I fully understand the impact this phase of life has on women and know it doesn’t have to be as challenging and disruptive as many expect and accept.
Cell-U-Light Therapy Center is a leading health and wellness facility, o ering a comprehensive range of services including family chiropractic care, functional nutrition, weight management, TheraLight full-body red light therapy, and more.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
STAIRWAY TO ZEPPELIN
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REILLY ARTS CENTER
Stairway To Zeppelin is becoming the No. 1 Led Zeppelin tribute in the world, delivering Led Zeppelin’s to-the-note studio and live recordings by four incredible musicians. Stairway To Zeppelin performs a show with visual e ects and the latest in sound technology at low decibels. The show o ers a mix of original recordings and live performances of the original recordings and live performances of the iconic Led Zeppelin. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com.
HEAR HERE
HOUSTON KEEN
SEPTEMBER 7
BANK STREET PATIO BAR
KENNADEE
SEPTEMBER 10
ARTHUR’S BISTRO AT HILTON OCALA
BECKY BABY
SEPTEMBER 13
THE JUNIPER GENERAL STORE
SANDRA & ALEX LEKID
SEPTEMBER 14
INFINITE ALE WORKS
MICHELLE INGRHAM
SEPTEMBER 14
BANK STREET PATIO BAR
JACK KNIFE
SEPTEMBER 21
CHARLIE HORSE
THE BIG BAD
SEPTEMBER 21
LA CUISINE FRENCH RESTAURANT
FORTUNE CHILD
SEPTEMBER 25
DOWNTOWN SQUARE
THE VOODOO GYPSIES
SEPTEMBER 27
CIRCLE SQUARE COMMONS
CHRIS MCNEIL
SEPTEMBER 28
YELLOW PONY PUB
TICKETS PLEASE
NICKI MINAJ OCTOBER 5
AMALIE ARENA, TAMPA
CHARLI XCX & TROYE SIVAN OCTOBER 6
KIA CENTER, ORLANDO
ALABAMA NOVEMBER 8 & 9
ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
CYNDI LAUPER NOVEMBER 6
AMALIE ARENA, TAMPA
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE NOVEMBER 9
KIA CENTER, ORLANDO
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS NOVEMBER 12
MAHAFFEY THEATER, ST PETERSBURG
P!NK NOVEMBER 18
CAMPING WORLD
STADIUM, ORLANDO
KACEY MUSGRAVES NOVEMBER 29
AMALIE ARENA, TAMPA
DECEMBER 2
KIA CENTER, ORLANDO
KANSAS FEBRUARY 1
HARD ROCK LIVE ORLANDO
ALAN JACKSON MARCH 7
KIA CENTER, ORLANDO
LOCAL LIVE &
THE ULTIMATE GEORGE STRAIT TRIBUTE
SEP 14 | ORANGE BLOSSOM OPRY
With Howard Decker’s lifelong passion and admiration for George Strait’s legacy, the Strait Country Tribute strives to recreate the magic of King George’s world-famous performances. From classics like “Amarillo By Morning” to heartfelt ballads like “Check Yes or No,” Decker brings the authenticity and charm that George Strait fans crave to see and hear.
TRES SOULS
SEP 21 | UPSTAGE AT THE PHILLIPS CENTER, UF PERFORMING ARTS
Tres Souls has been capturing hearts one ballad at a time. A modern embodiment of the vintage sounds of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, they will transport you to a more romantic time. You don’t need to speak Spanish to understand the emotion conveyed by the gorgeous melodies of this L.A.based bolero band.
FATE, GOBLINS, AND THE MOTHERSHIP
OCT 19 & 20 | REILLY ARTS CENTER
Dive into an electrifying program of music with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra that spans from the cosmos to the depths of mythical waters and the impassioned human heart. Mason Bates’ Mothership o ers a vibrant, pulsating piece, while Dvořák’s Water Goblin is a captivating piece that weaves a tale of love, tragedy and a supernatural world. Tchaikovsky’s powerful Symphony No. 4 rounds out this performance.
DATE NIGHT AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JUSTIN MACDONALD
AUG 9 | DISCOVERY CENTER
Couples looking for a unique date night headed to the Discovery Center last month where they not only enjoyed refreshments and snacks (as well as kid-free time!) but also met some of the Discovery Center’s resident critters and worked together on animal-themed projects. The Discovery Center is the City of Ocala’s local children’s museum where both kids and adults alike can learn in a fun, hand-on way through exploration and discovery. Check out future Date Night events and upcoming exhibits at mydiscoverycenter.org/events
MEXICAN FIRELEG
JENN & JACOB KRUSWICKI
CHRIS & BREE HALL
JULIA AMBROSIA & ALISON SOLOMON, DISCOVERY CENTER EMPLOYEES
WILLOW HEATHERLY & CHANDLER REEDER, DISCOVERY CENTER EMPLOYEES
ARGENTINE BLACK & WHITE TEGU
RACHEL REMY & CHESTER JONES
LUNA & KENNY KRUGER, MATT REAVER & MONICA SHEN
FUNDING THE CURE
OCALA ROYAL DAMES FOR CANCER RESEARCH HAS BEEN FUNDING CANCER RESEARCH IN CENTRAL FLORIDA SINCE 1987.
As the second leading cause of death worldwide, cancer is to blame for one in every six deaths. That translates to more than 610,000 cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.
Changing those statistics is the mission behind a dedicated group of women who have declared war on cancer through research.
Founded by Theresa Castro, the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc. became a 501(c)(3) not-for-pro t organization in February 1987 and has been funding cancer research in Central Florida ever since. Having been a member of the original Royal Dames in Ft. Lauderdale, Castro already knew that a group of women who are passionate about their cause can make a huge impact.
Thanks to the e orts of the all-volunteer organization and generous donations, the Ocala Royal Dames has raised over $4 million for cancer research.
“We fund research and cutting-edge studies at the UF Shands Cancer Center and at Mo tt Cancer Centers and also fund scholarships at the College of Central Florida,” notes Bernadeth “Bern” Paraiso, who serves as a Board of Trustees member and marketing chair.
Paraiso joined the Ocala Royal Dames in 2000 and is one of the many members who are fueled by rsthand experiences in the battle against cancer. In 2013, Paraiso was an identical bone marrow transplant donor to her older sister, Ellen Schmidt. The bone marrow collection was accomplished via peripheral stem cell, and happily, Ellen is a cancer survivor.
Because donations are the lifeblood of the organization, great e ort goes into raising funds.
The Ocala Royal Dames host their annual Night of a Million Dreams event, hosted and chaired by Debbie Craig with co-chair Chris Davis, on March 29, 2025, at Circle Square Cultural Center in Ocala. But you don’t have to wait that long to contribute to nding a cure.
An ideal way to participate is during the Give4Marion event, chaired by Debbie Craig, which utilizes the vast power of social media and collaboration to raise funds and awareness for worthy local charities.
“Last year, we raised about $10,000 through this event,” says Paraiso. “When you donate
online, you designate where your donation goes, and we have matching donors.”
Hosted by the Community Foundation Ocala & Marion County, Give4Marion is an annual online giving event that speci cally bene ts veri ed 501(c)(3) charitable nonpro ts that are headquartered or provide services in Ocala/ Marion County.
The 2024 Give4Marion event takes place September 17-18. Make your donation and make a di erence!
GIVE FOR MARION give4marion.org/donate OCALA ROYAL DAMES ocalaroyaldames.org facebook.com/ocalaroyaldames
CLIFF DORSEY IS MAKING IT BIG LOCALLY AND ON THE ROAD.
WRITTEN BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND
One goal can change everything.
For Cli Dorsey, that happened when he started guitar lessons at Music Junction in 2009 in High Springs, Florida.
“I was really shy and thought if I could just learn three songs on the guitar, that’d be a good goal,” recalls Cli , who was 15 at the time.
Born and raised in High Springs, Cli hails from a down-home family where country music was the soundtrack to their lives. His dad drove freight trains for CSX, and his mom cut hair at Jerry’s Barber Shop. Along with his parents and older brother, Dusty, Cli spent plenty of time hunting and shing.
Hearing Josh Turner on the radio singing “Long Black Train” was a pivotal moment.
“I literally said, ‘Lord, if I had a voice like that, I’d do something with it,’” Cli remembers.
He got his chance early in 2010 when his mom volunteered him to sing the song at church. Two years after that rst solo performance, he played his rst o cial show at Newberry BBQ.
2024 FLORIDA SCHEDULE
SEP 21 | 7-10PM HIGH SPRINGS BREWING COMPANY
SEP 27 & 28 | 11AM-6PM BOTH DAYS ST. AUGUSTINE LOCAL SONGWRITERS SESSIONS AT PIERRE’S PUB
SEP 29 | 6-9PM EL PATIO IN HIGH SPRINGS WITH CLAY BROOKER
0CT 5 | 6-9PM
PONCE SYKES CORN MAZE, SYKES FAMILY FARMS, ELKTON
OCT 12 & 13 | 2-5PM BOTH DAYS
PUMPKIN FESTIVAL AT THE BRYER PATCH BRYER PATCH NEWBERRY
OCT 20 | 2-5PM SUWANNEE BELLE LANDING, OLD TOWN
OCT 24 | 7-10PM COUNTRY NIGHT AT COLONIAL OAK MUSIC PARK WITH CLIFF DORSEY & BAND, ST. AUGUSTINE
With his signature baritone, Cli has built a devoted fan base that continues to grow as he and his band perform coast to coast. A full-time musician since the age of 21, Cli turns 30 on September 26 and is enjoying every minute of the ride. He’s lived
in Nashville since March 2023.
With two EPs and a full album to date, he’s released 26 songs, most of which are original. His debut EP New Neon was nominated for a Josie Award this year.
His song, “Raise One,” is a tribute to military and rst responders serving their communities. His latest single, “Your Guess,” was released June 14. Cli ’s newest songs will be out soon: “Stop This Train” (September 20) and “When I Think Aldean” (November 8).
“For me, it’s all about the song. Country music is about storytelling. I love making people feel
something, building relationships and doing what I can to raise money for good causes,” says Cli , who hosts his second annual fundraiser for the National Fallen Fire ghters Foundation from August through October.
He had his own booth at the CMA Fan Fest in June where he interacted with hundreds of fans.
“It’s really amazing to see how country music has spread and to see people react to my new music,” says Cli , who played two shows at Gilley’s in Las Vegas in July and does radio station appearances around the country.
In 2023 alone, Cli traveled over 40,000 miles, not including air miles.
“I’m getting to see a lot of the U.S. and am eager to use that passport and get out of the country, too,” he says.
Follow Cli on social media and visit cli dorsey.com to stay informed about new releases and performances.
(left to right) Salvador Dalí, “Wailing Wall,” 1975, Anonymous donation; Julie Blackmon, “Birds at Home,” 2007, Gift of Linda Appleton Potter; Lee Krasner, “Embrace, from the Superlative U.S. Olympic Editions,” 1976, Gift of CVI Art Management and Art for Education.
ON STAGE
THE COOLER TEMPERATURES (WISHFUL THINKING?) SIGNAL THAT FALL IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, OUR FAVORITE SEASON TO GET OUT AND EXPERIENCE ALL THAT CENTRAL FLORIDA HAS TO OFFER. FOR PERFORMING ARTS LOVERS, THOUGH, THE CHANGING OF THE SEASONS SIGNALS A WHOLE NEW OFFERING OF THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES, LIVE MUSIC AND MORE. CHECK OUT SOME OF THE NEARBY OFFERINGS IN THIS YEAR’S FALL ARTS PREVIEW.
COMPILED
BY
KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY
CIRCLE SQUARE CULTURAL CENTER csculturalcenter.com
SEP 25 | DIRECT FROM SWEDEN: THE MUSIC OF ABBA
Throughout the 1970s the music of ABBA helped shape a generation. This theatrical production is the closest you can get nowadays to a true ABBA experience. Dance and sing along to ABBA’s greatest hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” “Fernando, “Take a Chance” and more, performed 100 percent live.
OCT 5 | BEGINNINGS: A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF CHICAGO
NOV 16 | LIGHTS OUT: THE JERSEY BEACH BOYS
OCALA CIVIC THEATRE ocalacivictheatre.com
NOV 7-24 | THE GLASS MENAGERIE
Life isn’t easy for Amanda Wing eld and her two grown kids in 1930s St. Louis. Son Tom, who escapes with alcohol, is the man of the house following his father’s abandonment, and daughter Laura is too shy for words, opting to instead retreat into her collection of fragile glass animals. But then one day a gentleman caller visits Amanda and the family’s life begins to change.
SEP 5-22 | RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA
DEC 4-15 | A TUNA CHRISTMAS
Times says, “Every American should see this play.”
OCT 12-26 | EVERY BRILLIANT THING
NOV 29-DEC 23 | HONKY TONK ANGELS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
This Ocala Symphony Orchestra production is a treat for not only the ears but also the eyes. The orchestra continues its tradition of performing live in front of a lm backdrop, this time the science ction drama Metropolis featuring Brian Satterwhite’s brilliant soundtrack. At the same time, the orchestra will screen Giorgio Moroder’s remastered version of the lm from 1984, which is suitable for all ages.
NOV 24 | MESSIAH COMMUNITY SING-ALONG
REILLY ARTS CENTER reillyartscenter.com
THE HIPPODROME, GAINESVILLE thehipp.org
OCT 11-27 | WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME
Politics and government are often topics that are off limits for many. But this Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award nominee takes that rule and throws it out the window. And the comedic, moving, inspiring antics that take place are more than worth it. When she was 15 years old, Heidi Schreck won debate competitions throughout the country by defending the U.S. Constitution. Now, as an adult, she is exploring what one of our country’s founding documents means to four generations of women in her family. The Seattle
OCT 27 | PHANTASMAGORIA XV “GRIM AND GRIMMER TALES” It’s been described as whimsical macabre. The stories will send a chill down your spine as the troupe performs tales through folk, legend, literature and much more. This evocative story includes a bit of everything, from dance and puppetry to projections, lights and more.
SEP 6 | THE BOSS PROJECT: A TRIBUTE TO BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
SEP 27 | STAIRWAY TO ZEPPELIN
OCT 3 | SILENT DISCO
OCT 11 | FRONTIERS: A TRIBUTE TO JOURNEY
OCT 17 | BILLY BOB THORNTON & THE BOXMASTERS
Qualified attendees will enjoy a complimentary lunch and exciting raffle prizes throughout the event!
FREE Health Expo
Sponsors RBOI HCA
The Windsor of Ocala
AARP
Fundraiser for Breast Cancer
DATE: Friday, September 27
TIME: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: One Health Center 1714 SW 17th Street
PHONE: (352) 553-0332
Guided Solutions
NOV 9 | CREEDENCE REVIVED
NOV 22 | MUSICAL COCKTAIL PARTY WITH EVANS HAILE… PART DEUX!
DEC 20 | BLUES IN THE BOX: DAMON FOWLER
THE ICEHOUSE THEATRE, MOUNT DORA icehousetheatre.com
NOV 15-DEC 15 | TOOTSIE
Tootsie is a classic that has been told through play, book and movie, and now the IceHouse Theatre is bringing the production to life. Actor Michael Dorsey is out of work more often than not and desperate to nd himself a paying gig. In an attempt to secure the job, he transforms himself into actress Dorothy Michaels.
SEP 13-OCT6 | THE ODD COUPLE
THE VILLAGES ENTERTAINMENT thevillagesentertainment.com
SEP 24-OCT 19 | THE VOTE
Paola Aguilar, a university professor, is ready to become a mother… she needs more money to make it happen. Then, THE Political Party o ers her a substantial amount of money to help them understand the Hispanic/Latino/Latina/ Latinx/Latine vote. Can she explain the nuances of her culture and community enough to help them win the election? This satirical comedy is for a mature audience only and contains topics not appropriate for children.
SEP 14 | AN EVENING WITH COMEDIAN BOBBY COLLINS
SEP 17 | THE PETTY ROCKERS: TOM PETTY TRIBUTE
SEP 30 | THE MOTOWNERS
OCT 2 | QUEEN NATION
OCT 3 | THE SEGER EXPERIENCE
OCT 6 | SPIN DOCTORS
OCT 9 | THE PLAIN WHITE T’S
OCT 10 | A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS
OCT 15 | TAKE ME HOME: THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER STARRING JIM CURRY
NOV 6-7 | DEAR EVAN HANSON
NOV 12-DEC 14 | WHEN WE WERE YOUNG & AFRAID
NOV 13 | SMASH MOUTH
NOV 21 | FLOYD NATION
DEC 3 | VOCTAVE: IT FEELS LIKE CHRISTMAS
DEC 4 | THE NUTCRACKER
DEC 10-12 | TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
DEC 17-18 | THE VILLAGES PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: HOLIDAY CELEBRATION 2024
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA PERFORMING ARTS performingarts.u .edu
SEP 27 | DANCE ALIVE NATIONAL BALLET’S SWAN LAKE
Be mesmerized by the costumes, dancing and music as the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart transforms the prince’s ancée into a swan. Can she be turned back? This family-friendly production is back by popular demand.
SEP 20 | SEAN MASON QUARTET
SEP 28 | JAHARI STAMPLEY TRIO
OCT 9 | AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS
OCT 13 | CIRCAS HUMANS 2.0
OCT 25 | DRACULA AND VAMPYRA!
OCT 30 | SERGIO BERNAL DANCE COMPANY
NOV 1 | MICHAEL CLEVELAND & FLAMEKEEPER
NOV 7 | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA SYMPHONY OCHESTRA MAHLER’S RESURRECTION SYMPHONY
NOV 17 | PARKER QUARTET
DEC 5 | VOCTAVE: IT FEELS LIKE CHRISTMAS
DEC 19-22 | DANCE ALIVE NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER
ORANGE BLOSSOM OPRY obopry.com
OCT5 | ROCKET MAN – ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE
Elton John’s o cial 1970s body double, Rus Anderson, was chosen by the star himself, and now he presents The Rocket Man Show where he performs Elton’s greatest hits bringing the Elton John experience to life.
SEP7 | TY HERNDON
SEP 14 | THE ULTIMATE GEORGE STRAIT TRIBUTE
SEP 21 | KENNY ROGERS – AN EVENING WITH THE GAMBLER
OCT 12 | CRUSH – BON JOVI TRIBUTE
OCT 19 | CAPTURED – A JOURNEY TRIBUTE
OCT 26 | THE PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE
OCT 29-30 | HOTEL CALIFORNIA – A SALUTE TO THE EAGLES
NOV 2 | CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG BY LAUREN CANYON
NOV 9 | FLEETWOOD MASK
NOV 16 | STEVIE RAY VISITED– A TRIBUTE TO STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN
NOV 23 | ABSOLUTE QUEEN TRIBUTE
DEC 5 | CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND UGLY SWEATERS
DEC 6 | THE EDGE EFFECT PRESENTS UNDER THE MISTLETOE
DEC 7 | JOHNNY WILD & THE DELIGHTS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
The play tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette who invites his fellow cast members to a weekend of Christmas revelry at his Connecticut castle. The fun comes to a crashing halt though after one of the guests is found stabbed to death. It’s a good thing Gillette thinks of himself as Sherlock Holmes, the master detective. It’s up to Gillette to solve the crime before another victim turns up.
GAINESVILLE COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE gcplayhouse.org
SEP 20-OCT 6 | JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
This story, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, follows the rags to riches Biblical tale of Joseph, his father Jacob and his 11 brothers. And don’t forget the coat of many colors! The tale is told through catchy songs in a variety of genres.
NOV 22-DEC 15 | MATILDA
PAIN RELIEF IS JUST A STRETCH AWAY
GET STRETCH’D PROVIDES ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTED STRETCHING TO INCREASE FLEXIBILITY, MITIGATE PAIN AND IMPROVE OVERALL HEALTH.
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Get Stretch’d, Ocala’s premier, family-owned stretching studio located in Churchill Square Shopping Center, next to Publix, as well as Zone West Health & Fitness at Market Street at Heath Brook Shopping Center can address those issues and get you feeling your best. If you’d like to see a quick YouTube video of an assisted stretch demo, scan the QR code in this ad.
+ STIMULATES INCREASED CIRCULATION
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+ INCREASES FLEXIBILITY AND RANGE OF MOTION
+ IMPROVES STRENGTH AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE
HOW ART HEALS
ARTS IN HEALTH OCALA METRO OFFERS WORKSHOPS TO CONNECT INDIVIDUALS WITH THE HEALING POWER OF ART.
WRITTEN BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND
Art does more than share ideas and spark creativity. Art actually helps heal. This powerful truth is the motive behind Arts in Health Ocala Metro (AIHOM), a non-pro t organization that connects art and healing. Since February 2023, AIHOM has held over 500 workshops, serving more than 3,800 individuals with powerful art interactions at 17 Marion County organizations.
Founder Lisa Irwin was inspired by the healing stories she heard from the Shands Arts in Medicine program and set out to launch a similar program in Ocala.
“My main reason for wanting to start an Arts in Health program here in Marion County was the 30 years of scientific data that art can heal,” says Irwin.
“For millennia, art has played a part in the health of communities. Although we know that art heals, we want to prove it,” says Patricia Tomlinson, executive director. “We keep data on every art interaction we facilitate and then evaluate that information to show that ‘Art Heals, Science Proves it.’”
Tomlinson adds that the body-mind connection is a powerful one.
“Science shows us that positive mental
health leads to a healthier body and vice versa,” she says. “Extensive studies show participation in the arts leads to healthier, happier people who not only live longer and have better quality of life but also present significant savings to entities such as insurance companies because healthier people file fewer claims and there is less strain on medical resources.”
Workshops include music, dance and performing and visual arts ventures led by artists who serve the community through participant-led artmaking based on what the participants want to create, whether that be painting, dancing, writing or making music.
Participants include both children and adults and include a wide range of individuals, from pre-K students to teens, speech pathology patients, intellectually
disabled adults, dementia patients and more.
The artist practitioners leading the workshops also have extensive training on working with those in hospitals, survivors of trauma, those who are neurodivergent and other vulnerable populations. Most workshops take place at the facilities of the organizations served by AIHOM, which includes residential facilities, and volunteers are always needed to assist the artist practitioners.
Interested in supporting AIHOM? Get involved through the upcoming Give4Marion campaign and the Silent Disco fundraiser on October 3.
ARTS IN HEALTH OCALA METRO (352) 723-5444 facebook.com/aihocala aihocala.org
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Florida Master Naturalists in March 2023. The program strongly suggests to their students to spread the information we’ve learned to as many people as possible, and we decided to start our own company where we could do just that.”
hit the trail
The Florida Naturalist Experience o ers both Hike and Feast and Camp and Feast events. The guided educational hike tours are anywhere from two to four miles and are followed by a three-course meal prepared right on-site by the personal chef team. If you’d rather extend the adventure overnight, the camping experience is a weekend-long event.
The hikes, which generally host 10 to 15 people, are beginner friendly with the exception of the hike o ered at the Juniper Springs Camp and Feast, which is a longer, approximately seven-mile hike that will require more endurance. But, generally, as long as you’re able to walk for a few hours outdoors, you’re able to attend the Hike and Feast events.
“We are very fortunate in Florida that our typically at terrain usually allows for easier hiking,” says Jacquelyne, “and we try to plan our hikes to be no longer than two hours so the majority of people are able to attend.”
While there isn’t an age limit for the Hike
and Feast tours and children and families are encouraged to join, all minors must be accompanied by an adult.
“We consider all of our hikes to be appropriate for families,” says Jacquelyne, “although, we are currently working on planning a hike speci cally for young children, as we have our own son, Jackson, who will be hiking with us as soon as he is able to. [He’s only 11 months old, currently!] We will likely be o ering the children’s hike during fall and winter 2025.”
As hiking enthusiasts in their personal time, Jacquelyne and Ian schedule their tours in all their favorite hiking locations.
“One of my personal favorite hikes is at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine because the trails are located on top of ancient sand dunes that have since become a mixed coastal hardwood forest,” says Jacquelyne. “This type of environment is becoming increasingly rare to nd in Florida, as our coastlines are constantly being developed.”
The Juniper Prairie Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest is another one of their favorite hikes, and this one is only 35 to 45 minutes from town.
“This location is extremely remote and serene, as it is federally protected,” says Jacquelyne. “This trail is the most untouched
piece of nature that exists in this area, and we absolutely love it. We are doing a Hike and Feast at Anastasia State Park and a Camp and Feast at Juniper Springs Campground.”
During the hikes, guides typically point out plants and animals that are both native to Florida as well as invasive. While foraging during the hikes is not encouraged (and in some places doing so would be against the law), guides will point out things that are edible as well as things that are dangerous and should be avoided.
“We also try to take time to talk a little about any historical signi cance that any given trail may have, as well as any current conservation e orts, land management plans or volunteer events that may be associated with that location,” says Jacquelyne.
The weekend-long Camp and Feast excursions involve hiking, camping and feasting all in one. Two Camp and Feast events are planned for this season, the rst being at Indian Lake State Forest and the second at Juniper Springs Campground. Both locations have their own established campgrounds with hiking trails accessible from the location. All meals are prepared and served throughout the weekend, and the trip includes a Friday night dinner and camp re snack, all three meals on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. A longer hiking tour will take place during
BE WELL.
MCHD HELPS MAKE IT HAPPEN
Our mission is to improve the overall quality of the lives of Marion County Residents and services in our community through health and wellness initiatives which recognizes the importance of establishing a sustainable system of care through a unique multidisciplinary network of providers.
OUR PROGRAMS
Connects individuals with substance use recovery & behavioral health. Marion County residents receive ondemand access to integrated primary, dental, and behavioral health care services, regardless of the ability to pay.
Focusing on workplace wellness and community health education. AMP acts as a challenge to Marion County residents to get moving towards a healthier lifestyle through fun step challenges, and workplace wellness initiatives.
Assists families with employment, educational tutoring and continuing education, healthcare navigation and dental clinics, fitness and nutrition classes (diabetes education, grocery orders) and much more.
An innovative chronic disease prevention program designed to reduce childhood obesity and diabetes and provide a healthy roadmap for children, parents, and employees in Marion County Schools.
the event. Camping supplies are not provided, and all guests must provide their own tents, sleeping arrangements, hiking gear and any other supplies that are suggested. The goal is to provide these supplies as their business grows.
“While we have a whole schedule planned for the remainder of this year, we are most excited about our Camp and Feast experiences, as it is a new option we are o ering our guests this season,” says Jacquelyne. “We are very excited to give our guests an entire weekend experience enjoying the outdoors, and we are thrilled to educate others and hopefully inspire our guests to respect and love nature as much as we do.”
a feast for the famished
The idea of including a post-hike feast started simply because Jacquelyne and Ian are passionate about good food.
“Having been in the hospitality industry for 40 years, our chef team, Bon Voisin Chef personal chef services, works hard to come up with unique menus that can’t be found anywhere else, especially not in an outdoor setting,” says Jacquelyne.
When guests return, cold beverages are waiting, and once everyone is settled in, the three-course feast begins. Hike and Feast tours include an appetizer, a main course and a freshmade dessert. Feasts are prepared on-site by the chefs in their completely portable kitchen. It is then served in the natural setting of the park or campground that the hikers were just exploring.
“Food brings people together, and that’s a part of the experience,” says Jacquelyne. “We want people to connect with each other over nature, and sharing a meal outside is a great way to do that. You have time to recap the sights and sounds from the trail and make new friends. Plus, the food is delicious and makes a perfectly complete day trip or even a rst date.”
The meals are themed, but sometimes the connection can be subtle. One recent menu was a “New Classics Feast,” where each course was a classic dish with modern reimagining. The menus are announced with each location and change regularly. The chefs present each course as it’s being served and talk about the creative process behind each dish. The chefs can handle most dietary requirements and usually only have to make small adjustments.
plan your trip
While some people are able to hike year-round in Florida’s hot climate, due to the high temperatures during May through August, the Florida Naturalist Experience considers September through April to be their “hiking season.”
“Heat-related illness is the biggest concern to be considered while hiking in Florida, and we want our guests to enjoy their experience exploring the outdoors,” says Jacquelyne. “We encourage guests to bring plenty of water, bug spray and sunscreen, and any medications and personal hygiene items they may need. We typically warn our guests if the particular trail we’re going to be on is very sunny or di cult to traverse, and we also provide guests with a checklist of recommended items.”
Guests can reserve their tour by purchasing a ticket on the website. Once tours are promoted on social media, they tend to book up quickly, so guests are encouraged to check out the tour schedule to see what’s coming up and plan their trips as early as possible.
The cost of the Hike and Feast excursion is $75, with the exception of the Anastasia State Park hike, which costs $95 and includes a delicious seafood menu. Camp and Feast tickets are $300, which includes all meals, snacks and several eco-tour hikes throughout the weekend.
the big idea
With an eye on expansion, Jacquelyne and Ian would like to increase the variety of eco-tours
hike and feast events:
GREENWAY BASELINE PARK SEPTEMBER 14
MARSHALL SWAMP OCTOBER 5
ANASTASIA STATE PARK NOVEMBER 9
SUNNYHILL RESTORATION AREA NOVEMBER 2 3
OCKLAWAHA PRAIRIE DECEMBER 21
camp & feast events:
INDIAN LAKE STATE FOREST OCTOBER 18-20
JUNIPER SPRINGS CAMPGROUND DECEMBER 6-8
and activities available to include guests with di erent abilities or di erent environmental interests. One way they plan to do this is with future Ride and Feast events, where tours would take guests down o -roading trails with specialized vehicles.
“Guests on these tours will be riding in an open or enclosed o -road-capable SUV for a safari-like experience better suited for smaller children and people who are not physically capable of hiking,” says Ian. “Eco-tours from these o -road vehicles would be conducted responsibly and safely on established and approved forest roads that are meant for such activities as to not create stress to the environment or wildlife. These vehicles would also allow us to shuttle guests across a wider range of land for hikes in multiple locations along with potential activities involving watercraft, shing excursions and much more. By working with other local businesses and eco-tour guides, we’d like to make any outdoor activity possible to anyone.”
Giving back to organizations that are doing
their part to protect and conserve Florida’s natural resources and those that made their business possible is also an important goal for Jacquelyne and Ian.
“We plan to work with and help allocate resources and money to the Florida Trail Association and the UF Florida Master Naturalist Program as our business grows,” says Ian. “It’s our hope that by doing this, we can do our part as Floridians and business owners to protect our state from the same environmental threats that threaten the entire planet. We believe the most signi cant way to do that is through education and by instilling a sense of appreciation for nature among the public and the youth while simultaneously giving back to the organizations that do just that.”
The idea of giving back and helping people is something that both Jacquelyne and Ian realized at a young age. In fact, they actually met in middle school and realized early on that they both had a passion for the same ideals.
“We are very proud Floridians, because there really isn’t anywhere else on Earth quite like
the land of owers,” says Ian. “To see people come from all walks of life and all over the world to take our tours and share new experiences, make new friends and learn about the natural world around them is something that leaves us feeling giddy for weeks. We truly feel that above any other path in life, this is our calling.”
While it might seem foreign to outdoor enthusiasts, there is a certain segment of our population, especially within our youth, that spends very little time immersing themselves in nature. Those are the people that Jacquelyne and Ian hope to reach.
“Humanity is at a bit of a precipice in the wake of the technological revolution,” says Ian.
“By immersing ourselves in nature, we take a step back from the hustle and bustle of our modern, tech-ruled lives. We didn’t necessarily choose to live during this time in human history, but here we are and we can’t change that. What we can change is our perspective and what’s important to us. But we’ll only achieve that by instilling an appreciation for it, and that is absolutely going to come down to what nature means to our youth. If they don’t know, they won’t care, and if they don’t care, they won’t protect it. By creating fond memories for adults and children alike, we hope to rekindle the bond we all have within us for the natural world.”
Learn more and purchase your tour tickets at oridanaturalistexperience.square.site
• Refrigeration/freezer for food and medicine
• Furnace
• Air conditioning
• Lighting - inside and outside
• Sump pump
• Kitchen appliances
• Contact with the outside world: Internet, cell phone chargers, TV, radio & more
• Washing and drying clothes
• Security system
• Garage door opener
• Fans
• Medical equipment
• Charging power tools for use during the emergency and post-outage cleanup
• Monetary loss from temporary relocation, hotel costs, dining out, property damage, etc.
BRATS, BEERS & BUDS
IF YOU CAN’T TRAVEL TO GERMANY THIS OKTOBERFEST TO CELEBRATE ALL THINGS GERMAN, A TRIP TO THE WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER’S OKTOBERFEST MAY JUST BE THE NEXT BEST THING. DON’T FORGET TO GRAB YOUR LEDERHOSEN.
WRITTEN BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY
This October 5 and 12, the World Equestrian Center’s Expo Center 1 will be transformed into a Munich- and Bavarianstyle street fair.
Traditional food, dress and live music will be on display at this annual celebration of Germany.
“It’s like visiting Germany for a day without ever leaving Ocala,” says Director of Special Events Je Fissel. “We will be o ering the very best of German Oktoberfest beer and authentic food.”
IT’S LIKE VISITING GERMANY FOR A DAY WITHOUT EVER LEAVING OCALA. WE WILL BE OFFERING THE VERY BEST OF GERMAN OKTOBERFEST BEER AND AUTHENTIC FOOD.
And let’s talk food for a minute. Boar’s Head bratwurst and knockwurst with sauerkraut, mustard and pickles; warm German pretzels with beer cheese or mustard, pork schnitzel with cranberry orange chutney, lemon thyme roasted chicken, sauerbraten with red cabbage and spaetzle, Polish pierogis with potato and cheese, sauteed onions, crumbled bacon and sour cream; German potato salad, cucumber dill salad, apple strudel with vanilla bean whipped cream, gingerbread sugar cookies and German double chocolate cake are all on the menu.
purchase. Purchase a commemorative halfliter or one-liter beer stein, which includes a complimentary rst pour.
JEFF FISSEL, WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS
And the best part? Your $42 adult admission (ages 13 and up) and $28.50 child admission (ages 5-12) includes all of it! VIP tickets are also available. Beer or alcohol is available for
“A cool thing we are o ering this year is the Florida State Championship Beer Stein Holding contest,” says Je . “There are qualifying events across the state, including one here at WEC on October 5. Then the championship will be held on the 12th. Participants will hold one liter of beer out in front of them for as long as possible.” Sound easy? Sign up and test your strength. In case you’re curious, the current women’s record is six minutes and 10 seconds and the men’s record is 21 minutes and 17 seconds.
On Saturday, October 5, the Oktoberfest Schnitzel Shu e 5K Race by Gary Yeoman’s
Ford will begin at 10am.
“You’re going to want to register ahead for this event,” says Je . “It’s a timed 5K with a great nishing medal.” Race registration will include your bib, medal and o cial race T-shirt. Themed attire isn’t required, but it’s de nitely encouraged. As an added bonus, your con rmed race registration will come with a discounted Oktoberfest admission ticket.
“We encourage everyone to come out to WEC to enjoy this fun, family-friendly German celebration,” says Je . “It’s indoors and out of the Florida weather, and while you’re here you can take in a horse show, visit the shops or check out the restaurants on-site.”
OKTOBERFEST
World Equestrian Center, Expo Center 1 October 5, 12
To learn more, purchase tickets or register for the 5K, visit worldequestriancenter.com and click on events.
Photo courtesy of World Equestrian Center
WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
TASTY TO-DOS
SEPTEMBER 24
FOOD TRUCK NIGHT
Head to Avalon Park in Orlando on September 24 for Food Truck Night. The event includes live music on stage and more than 20 food trucks o ering a great variety of cuisine options from 5-8pm. Visit avalonparkorlando.com for more.
OCTOBER 19
UNCORKED: TAMPA WINE FESTIVAL AT WATER WORKS PARK
Festival attendees can choose to sample from more than 100 di erent wines and bubblies from across the world, plus some unique o erings like canned cocktails and spirits. This relaxed event is for those
21 and up and will also include local food trucks, fun lawn games and dancing to music provided by an expert DJ. Early admission is at 1pm and includes an extra hour of access. General admission opens at 2pm. Both tickets include all wine tastings; food is sold separately.
If back to school schedules and extracurricular activities have you running from one end of town to another and your family living o of concession stand staples, then a meal delivery service may be the way to go.
Fifty recipes to choose from each week, exible portion sizes and simple-to-follow recipes are what make Hello Fresh a great choice. Forget the grocery runs, visit hellofresh.com instead to have all the pre-measured ingredients delivered right to your door. Choose from categories like family-friendly, veggie, under 20 minutes, t & wholesome, kid’s meals and more.
If you’d rather heat and eat, check out blueapron.com, where you can order familyfriendly completed meals for about $7 per meal. You can also stop, pause and cancel your subscription at any time.
For a great local option, visit the erychef.com, where family meals, prepared by popular local chef Loring Felix, are designed to feed four hungry adults. Each entrée includes two pounds of protein, two sides of your choice, salad and four rolls. The meals are o ered on an eight-week rotating basis, and Chef Felix uses only the nest ingredients.
If you love cheeseburgers, be on the lookout for Smalls Sliders, which opens this month on State Road 200 in Ocala—just look for the bright orange modular “can.” There was no groundbreaking for this Drew Breesbacked food chain, instead the pre-made, 750-square-foot modular building was placed on existing land. And don’t let the name fool you, Smalls Sliders are big on taste. The options? Made-to-order cheeseburger sliders, grilled cheese sandwiches, wa e fries and milkshakes. Really want to treat yourself? Smother your burger and fries in their famous “smauce.” Check out smallssliders.com for details.
Head to El Toreo for the best Mexican food this side of the border! Enjoy all of your favorite traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly and festive atmosphere. Beyond the outstanding Mexican food, El Toreo simply o ers a warm, fun place to be— whether you’re dressed up or casual. Any day is a good day for one of El Toreo’s tasty margaritas: Mondays and Wednesdays $2 margaritas, Saturdays 2-for-1 margaritas and 2-for-1 happy hour every day from 4-7pm (excluding margaritas).
Treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at La Cuisine. Only the highest quality ingredients and produce are used to create traditional French fare in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Reminiscent of a quaint Paris bistro, La Cuisine o ers an ambiance that is ideal for a family brunch, a business dinner or a romantic evening out. With award-winning dishes that are prepared fresh, in-house, each meal includes personal touches that only La Cuisine can provide. Indoor and outdoor patio dining is available in beautiful downtown. Enjoy live music on select nights. 9 Golden Spoons and Hall of Fame Award from Florida Trend Magazine.
LORVEN HEART & VASCULAR INSTITUTE
Asad Qamar, MD, FACC
Aalok Patel, MD, FACC
Claudio Manubens, MD, FACC
Aon Mohib, MD, FACC
Oji Joseph, MD, FACC
Sualeh Ashraf, MD, FACC
Mary Lane, ARNP
Jeveria Ali, ARNP
Usman Siddiqui, MD, FACC
352 PREVIEW
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